The Gold Coast SUNS are proud to support Official Charity Partner RizeUp in launching their 2025 Christmas Appeal.
The annual appeal looks to brighten Christmas morning for individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence, and with over 36,000 gifts delivered to children and parents in crisis last year, RizeUp will be aiming to spread even more Christmas cheer in their tenth year of service.
2025 draftee Beau Addinsall joined Vice Captain Sam Collins to lend a helping hand in the Christmas Grotto on Thursday afternoon.
RizeUp Ambassador Collins shared how rewarding the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local families is.
“It’s great to see that the community of Gold Coast has gotten behind RizeUp but it’s quite disappointing that domestic violence continues to be an issue in our society,” Collins said.
“I’m proud to be involved with RizeUp who continue to challenge that and support those women and children affected.
“RizeUp is a great charity and one you can get hands on with, so hopefully boys like Beau can see how much value we can add to RizeUp and be ambassadors for our community and social causes like domestic violence.”
Over the last decade, the Gold Coast-based organisation has supported more than 63,000 victim-survivors through practical life-changing measures, including furnishing thousands of homes, to restore dignity and provide new beginnings for vulnerable victim-survivors.
Since welcoming RizeUp as a Major Charity Partner in 2020, the SUNS have helped play a part in raising more than $95,000 through initiatives including the annual Round to RizeUp.
City of Gold Coast Division 2 Councillor Naomi Fowler shared the significance of the Gold Coast SUNS’ longstanding partnership with the charity and the club’s impact on the annual Christmas Appeal.
“The Gold Coast SUNS have been long term ambassadors for RizeUp and their partnership is so valued and important to RizeUp,” Fowler said.
“The team go out and set up homes and they’re here today volunteering to pack presents for kids which will be packaged here by RizeUp volunteers and distributed to refuges across our city.
“Too many women and children in refuge are having a tough time at Christmas, so we’re calling on the whole of the Gold Coast city to get behind the RizeUp Christmas Appeal.”
Spread some Christmas magic this festive season – donate a gift under the tree at the Gold Coast SUNS Austworld Centre or visit RizeUp to discover a drop-off point near you.
If you or anyone you know needs help, contact the national helpline 1800RESPECT or your local domestic violence centre.
